★USA & IRAN
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Trump Sends Witkoff Kushner To Pakistan For Iran Talks
The United States is reportedly sending envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad for potential talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, amid efforts to revive negotiations involving Iran and regional mediators, including Pakistan.
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Araghchi Meets Pakistan Army Chief During US-Iran Talks Efforts
Abbas Araghchi met Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir in Pakistan, accompanied by a small Iranian delegation, amid ongoing efforts to facilitate US–Iran negotiations. The visit comes as Washington considers sending envoys to Islamabad, while Iran insists no direct talks are currently planned with the United States.
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US Sanctions Chinese Refinery Over Iranian Oil Purchases
The United States under President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on China’s Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) for buying Iranian oil worth billions, also targeting about 40 shipping firms and vessels linked to Iran’s shadow fleet, in an effort to tighten pressure on Iran oil exports and financial networks.
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Germany Deploys Naval Units To Mediterranean For Hormuz Security
Germany is sending naval units, including a minesweeper and support vessel, to the Mediterranean as a preparatory step for a possible mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes amid tensions involving Iran and growing international discussions on protecting vital shipping routes and stabilizing global energy flows.
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★LEBANON
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Hezbollah Attacks IDF in South Lebanon During Truce, 6 Gunmen killed
Amid an ongoing ceasefire in Lebanon, Hezbollah attacked Israeli forces in the south, while the Israel Defense Forces said it killed six gunmen in Bint Jbeil. The IDF also conducted strikes and evacuations after rocket fire, as tensions persisted despite US-backed truce efforts and reported violations on both sides.
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Hezbollah Calls Lebanon To Withdraw From Direct Talks with Israel
Hezbollah called on Lebanon to withdraw from direct negotiations with Israel, rejecting ongoing diplomatic efforts after remarks by Donald Trump about a possible agreement. Despite a fragile ceasefire, border tensions persist with continued exchanges of fire and Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon.
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Israel Withdraws Troops from Lebanon After Trump Ceasefire Order
The Israel has withdrawn a large portion of its forces from southern Lebanon following a ceasefire push by US President Donald Trump, despite military objections. The move comes amid tensions with Hezbollah, ongoing border clashes, and accusations of political pressure shaping battlefield decisions and redeployments.
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★THE GULF
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Qatar Emir And Trump Discuss Iran Ceasefire Developments
The Qatar Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and US President Donald Trump discussed developments in a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, focusing on regional stability, maritime security, and efforts to de-escalate tensions and support diplomatic negotiations.
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Saudi Crown Prince And Zelensky Discuss Regional Global Developments
Mohammed bin Salman met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Jeddah to discuss regional and global developments, including the Middle East and the Ukraine crisis. Both sides reviewed bilateral relations and cooperation, with Zelenskyy calling the talks “highly productive” and noting efforts toward agreements on security, energy, and food.
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Kuwait Says Drone Attack Launched from Iraq Targets Border Sites
Kuwait said two explosive drones launched from Iraq struck northern border posts, causing material damage but no casualties. Officials described it as a hostile attack, while no Iraqi response was immediately issued amid wider regional tensions linked to militia activity and cross-border strikes.
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UAE Mediates Russia-Ukraine Prisoner Swap, Freeing 386 Inmates
The United Arab Emirates mediated a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, freeing 386 detainees (193 each), raising the total to 6,691 since the Russia-Ukraine war, while reaffirming support for diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.
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★ Disclaimer: This publication is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.
